A current passport is
necessary, but no visa is required for stays less than 90 days.

Language and Currency

The
official language of Portugal is Portuguese, however some English is
spoken in the tourist areas. Spanish is widely spoken for those that speak
some Spanish. The currency in Portugal is the euro and dollars are
rarely accepted.

What is Lisbon like?

One o9f the Outdoor Cafes on rue Agusta

Lisbon is Portugal’s largest city and is the capital of
Portugal. It dates back some two centuries BC.
While Lisbon has modern areas with long wide boulevards shaded with large
trees, gardens and lavish residential areas, it also offers a wonderful
old section that is built on its terraced hillsides. Lisbon is both
ancient and modern and offers superb shopping and sightseeing

What is the weather like?

The best
time to visit Lisbon is from June through September when Lisbon
experiences mild temperatures (mid 70s to mid 80s) and little rain.

Where does the ship dock?

Ships dock at the port of Lisbon close to the downtown area
and about 4 miles from the old section of Lisbon. The ship is also quite
close to the Lisbon International airport (about 15 euro by taxi) for
those either embarking or debarking in Lisbon.

Where is the shopping?

One of Lisbon's Main
Shopping Streets is rua Agusta

For the best shopping, head for the old section of Lisbon.
Enter under the Arco Triunful de rua Augusta (where your taxi will
probably drop you) and you will be on one of the main pedestrian shopping
streets (rua Agusta).

One of Lisbon's Many Squares

Follow this street inland to the first large square and you
will find yourself at the center of shopping streets in every direction.
There are numerous small shops selling local crafts and products.

What
is there to buy?

Port wine. Lisbon is home of numerous wine shops offering
the best in Portuguese port and other wines, as well as some excellent
Italian wines also. Women and men’s fashions are everywhere as are shoe
stores and other leather products. Prices in Portugal are much lower than
in France for the same products and many of the same stores that are in
France have locations in Lisbon. If you are going to be clothes shopping,
Lisbon is the place to do it.

What
is there to do?

Without question, take the free shuttle, the streetcar or a
taxi to the Arco Triunful de rua Augusta, enter the old section and
explore its shopping streets and hillside attractions. You can get a map
from the tourist information center in the cruise ship terminal, which
should have a walking tour of the old section mapped out for you.

St. George's Castle (on top of the hill) as seen from the Barrio
Alta

Of course, a hike up to the remnants of St. George's Castle
is well worth the investment of energy and time as the views of Lisbon are
spectacular. If you
have been to Lisbon before try heading out to the villages on the Atlantic
Ocean. Sinta is especially beautiful and offers incredible beauty among
its narrow and winding medieval streets with lots of charming shops and
boutiques. Most ships offer day long trips to Fatima, which is extremely
interesting if you are into religious history.

Lisbon's Monument to Discoveries

Also, Don't miss the cruise down the
Tagus River to the Atlantic Ocean when leaving Lisbon, as it is simply
breathtaking. Once clearing the high bridge ( The Vasco da Gama Bridge)
you will see the huge Monument of Discoveries on the north side of the
river. As you reach the open ocean, look on the same side of the outlet
for the awe inspiring Tower of Belém.